FIFA Announces $1 Billion Stadium Financing Initiative in Partnership with Saudi Arabia

On Monday, FIFA announced a significant collaboration with the Saudi Fund for Development, highlighting an investment of up to $1 billion in stadium-financing loans for the benefit of developing countries.

These subsidized loans will be available to member football associations to either construct new stadiums or renovate existing ones, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to global football development.

Saudi Arabia is set to host the men’s World Cup for the first time in 2034, marking a historic moment for the nation. Additionally, FIFA has secured a sponsorship agreement with Saudi state oil company Aramco for the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the agreement as “a crucial step in ensuring our FIFA Member Associations have the facilities to make football truly global.” In a press release, FIFA emphasized that this partnership highlights a united commitment to assist developing nations in enhancing their sports infrastructure as part of broader social and economic development initiatives.

During a ceremony in Zurich to commemorate this partnership, Infantino remarked: “Developing and building infrastructure is extremely, extremely important. I would like to express my gratitude to the Saudi Fund for Development, its CEO, and the entire team for facilitating this collaboration.”

Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, stated: “We at SFD believe in the transformative power of sports. By combining our capabilities—SFD’s development finance and FIFA’s technical expertise—we are not only building venues but also creating lasting legacies. Our investments will unlock human potential, generate employment opportunities, empower youth, and strengthen communities for future generations.”

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has also been active in funding initiatives like LIV Golf and sponsoring major boxing events.

In December 2024, FIFA announced a global broadcasting agreement for the Club World Cup with the streaming service DAZN, shortly before confirming Saudi Arabia as the host nation for the men’s 2034 World Cup. Reports of a speculated Saudi investment in DAZN, estimated at around $1 billion, were confirmed a few weeks later.

This report incorporates information from The Associated Press.